Research on Affective Interaction in Mini Public Transport Based on IPA-FMEA

In the promotion of sustainable modes of transport, especially public transport, reasonable failure risk assessment at the critical moment in the process of service provider touch with users can improve the service quality to a certain extent. This study presents a product service touch point evaluation approach based on the importance–performance analysis (IPA) of user and failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA). Firstly, the authors capture service product service touch points in the process of user interaction with the product by observing the user behavior in a speculative design experiment, and perform the correlation analysis of the service product service touch point. Second, the authors use the IPA analysis method to evaluate and classify the product service touch points and identify the key product service touch points. Thirdly, the authors propose to analyze the failure of key product service touch points based on user-perceived affective interaction and clarify the priority of each key touch point. Finally, reluctant interpersonal communication, as the key failure caused by high risk, is derived according to the evaluation report, which leads to establishing new product service touch points and improving the overall user experience to promote sustainable transports with similar forms and characteristics.

Causal effects of COVID-19 on cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization study.

In contemporary literature, little attention has been paid to the association between coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and cancer risk. We performed the Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal associations between the three types of COVID-19 exposures (critically ill COVID-19, hospitalized COVID-19, and respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection) and 33 different types of cancers of the European population. The results of the inverse-variance-weighted model indicated that genetic liabilities to critically ill COVID-19 had suggestive causal associations with the increased risk for HER2-positive breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0924; p-value = 0.0116), esophageal cancer (OR = 1.0004; p-value = 0.0226), colorectal cancer (OR = 1.0010; p-value = 0.0242), stomach cancer (OR = 1.2394; p-value = 0.0331), and colon cancer (OR = 1.0006; p-value = 0.0453). The genetic liabilities to hospitalized COVID-19 had suggestive causal associations with the increased risk for HER2-positive breast cancer (OR = 1.1096; p-value = 0.0458), esophageal cancer (OR = 1.0005; p-value = 0.0440) as well as stomach cancer (OR = 1.3043; p-value = 0.0476). The genetic liabilities to SARS-CoV-2 infection had suggestive causal associations with the increased risk for stomach cancer (OR = 2.8563; p-value = 0.0019) but with the decreasing risk for head and neck cancer (OR = 0.9986, p-value = 0.0426). The causal associations of the above combinations were robust through the test of heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Together, our study indicated that COVID-19 had causal effects on cancer risk.

Structural basis of main proteases of HCoV-229E bound to inhibitor PF-07304814 and PF-07321332

PF-07321332 and PF-07304814, inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 developed by Pfizer, exhibit broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against the main protease (Mpro) from various coronaviruses. Structures of PF-07321332 or PF-07304814 in complex with Mpros of various coronaviruses reveal their inhibitory mechanisms against different Mpros. However, the structural information on the lower pathogenic coronavirus Mpro with PF-07321332 or PF-07304814 is currently scarce, which hinders our comprehensive understanding of the inhibitory mechanisms of these two inhibitors. Meanwhile, given that some immunocompromised individuals are still affected by low pathogenic coronaviruses, we determined the structures of lower pathogenic coronavirus HCoV-229E Mpro with PF-07321332 and PF-07304814, respectively, and analyzed and defined in detail the structural basis for the inhibition of HCoV-229E Mpro by both inhibitors. Further, we compared the crystal structures of multiple coronavirus Mpro complexes with PF-07321332 or PF-07304814 to illustrate the differences in the interaction of Mpros, and found that the inhibition mechanism of lower pathogenic coronavirus Mpro was more similar to that of moderately pathogenic coronaviruses. Our structural studies provide new insights into drug development for low pathogenic coronavirus Mpro, and provide theoretical basis for further optimization of both inhibitors to contain potential future coronaviruses.

Prediction of the COVID-19 infectivity and the sustainable impact on public health under deep learning algorithm.

The aim is to explore the development trend of COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) and predict the infectivity of 2019-nCoV (2019 Novel Coronavirus), as well as its impact on public health. First, the existing data are analyzed through data pre-processing to extract useful feature factors. Then, the LSTM (Long-Short Term Memory) prediction model in the deep learning algorithm is used to predict the epidemic situation in Hubei Province, outside Hubei nationwide, and the whole country, respectively. Meanwhile, the impact of intervention time changes on the epidemic situation is compared. The results show that the prediction results are almost consistent with the actual values. Specifically, Hubei Province abolishes quarantine restrictions after the Spring Festival holiday, and the first COVID-19 peak is reached in late February, while the second COVID-19 peak has been reached in early March. Finally, the cumulative number of diagnoses reaches 85,000 cases, with an increase of 15,000 cases compared with the nationwide cases outside Hubei under the continuous implementation of prevention and control measures. Under the prediction of the proposed LSTM model, if the nationwide implementation of prevention and control interventions is postponed by 5 days, the epidemic will peak in early March, and the cumulative number of diagnoses will be about 200,000; and if the intervention measures are implemented five days earlier, the epidemic will peak in mid-February, with a cumulative number of diagnoses of approximately 40,000. Meanwhile, the proposed LSTM model predicts the RMSE values of the epidemic situation in Hubei Province, outside Hubei nationwide, and the whole country as 34.63, 75.42, and 50.27, respectively. Under model comparison analysis, the prediction error of the proposed LSTM model is small and has better applicability over similar algorithms. The results show that the LSTM model is effective and has high performance in infectious disease prediction, and the research results can provide scientific and effective references for subsequent related research.

Structural basis of main proteases of HCoV-229E bound to inhibitor PF-07304814 and PF-07321332.

PF-07321332 and PF-07304814, inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 developed by Pfizer, exhibit broad-spectrum inhibitory activity against the main protease (Mpro) from various coronaviruses. Structures of PF-07321332 or PF-07304814 in complex with Mpros of various coronaviruses reveal their inhibitory mechanisms against different Mpros. However, the structural information on the lower pathogenic coronavirus Mpro with PF-07321332 or PF-07304814 is currently scarce, which hinders our comprehensive understanding of the inhibitory mechanisms of these two inhibitors. Meanwhile, given that some immunocompromised individuals are still affected by low pathogenic coronaviruses, we determined the structures of lower pathogenic coronavirus HCoV-229E Mpro with PF-07321332 and PF-07304814, respectively, and analyzed and defined in detail the structural basis for the inhibition of HCoV-229E Mpro by both inhibitors. Further, we compared the crystal structures of multiple coronavirus Mpro complexes with PF-07321332 or PF-07304814 to illustrate the differences in the interaction of Mpros, and found that the inhibition mechanism of lower pathogenic coronavirus Mpro was more similar to that of moderately pathogenic coronaviruses. Our structural studies provide new insights into drug development for low pathogenic coronavirus Mpro, and provide theoretical basis for further optimization of both inhibitors to contain potential future coronaviruses.

A Telecommuting Experience Service Design Decision Model Based on BP Neural Network.

Introduction: The telecommuting experience and job performance have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and job performance stability of telecommuting employees has become a critical concern. Objective: A decision model for telecommuting experience service design was constructed based on a backpropagation (BP) neural network to provide a theoretical basis for enterprises to evaluate telework performance and the psychological health of employees. Methods: The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the core stakeholders. The grey relational analysis (GRA) method and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scale were used to measure the factors affecting employees' telecommuting experience and job performance. A BP neural network relationship model of employees' telecommuting experience was established to predict its impact on employees' job performance. Results: Based on the model prediction results, a service system map was created, and the potential to enhance the telework performance of employees was evaluated. Discussion: It was concluded that the factors affecting the telecommuting experience were diverse, but emotions had the dominant influence. Significant positive correlations were found between emotional impact and temporal perception, execution difficulty, and communication barriers. Conclusion: The proposed decision model for telecommuting experience service design accurately predicted the impact of telecommuting efficiency, providing an effective approach for innovative remote management.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of heterologous immunization schedules with COVID-19 vaccines: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Data on the immunogenicity and safety of heterologous immunization schedules are inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of homologous and heterologous immunization schedules. METHODS: Multiple databases with relevant studies were searched with an end date of October 31, 2021, and a website including a series of Coronavirus disease 2019 studies was examined for studies before March 31, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared different heterologous and homologous regimens among adults that reported immunogenicity and safety outcomes were reviewed. Primary outcomes included neutralizing antibodies against the original strain and serious adverse events (SAEs). A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted using a random-effects model. RESULTS: In all, 11 RCTs were included in the systematic review, and nine were ultimately included in the NMA. Among participants who received two doses of CoronaVac, another dose of mRNA or a non-replicating viral vector vaccine resulted in a significantly higher level of neutralizing antibody than a third CoronaVac 600 sino unit (SU); a dose of BNT162b2 induced the highest geometric mean ratio (GMR) of 15.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.53-24.39. Following one dose of BNT162b2 vaccination, a dose of mRNA-1273 generated a significantly higher level of neutralizing antibody than BNT162b2 alone (GMR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.06-1.64), NVX-CoV2373 (GMR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.16-2.21), or ChAdOx1 (GMR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.25-2.59). Following one dose of ChAdOx1, a dose of mRNA-1273 was also more effective for improving antibody levels than ChAdOx1 (GMR = 11.09; 95% CI: 8.36-14.71) or NVX-CoV2373 (GMR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.08-3.91). No significant difference in the risk for SAEs was found in any comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Relative to vaccination with two doses of CoronaVac, a dose of BNT162b2 as a booster substantially enhances immunogenicity reactions and has a relatively acceptable risk for SAEs relative to other vaccines. For primary vaccination, schedules including mRNA vaccines induce a greater immune response. However, the comparatively higher risk for local and systemic adverse events introduced by mRNA vaccines should be noted. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ ; No. CRD42021278149.

A Telecommuting Experience Service Design Decision Model Based on BP Neural Network

Introduction The telecommuting experience and job performance have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and job performance stability of telecommuting employees has become a critical concern. Objective A decision model for telecommuting experience service design was constructed based on a backpropagation (BP) neural network to provide a theoretical basis for enterprises to evaluate telework performance and the psychological health of employees. Methods The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the core stakeholders. The grey relational analysis (GRA) method and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scale were used to measure the factors affecting employees’ telecommuting experience and job performance. A BP neural network relationship model of employees’ telecommuting experience was established to predict its impact on employees’ job performance. Results Based on the model prediction results, a service system map was created, and the potential to enhance the telework performance of employees was evaluated. Discussion It was concluded that the factors affecting the telecommuting experience were diverse, but emotions had the dominant influence. Significant positive correlations were found between emotional impact and temporal perception, execution difficulty, and communication barriers. Conclusion The proposed decision model for telecommuting experience service design accurately predicted the impact of telecommuting efficiency, providing an effective approach for innovative remote management.

Analysis of the Cognitive Load of Employees Working from Home and the Construction of the Telecommuting Experience Balance Model

Adapting to working from home caused physical and psychological difficulties, leading to work–family imbalance and lower employee performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study intends to identify the relationship between variables affecting telecommuting experience and improve employees' perceived organizational support by constructing a balanced model of telecommuting experience. An online questionnaire survey was conducted with 142 employees from different organizations telecommuting during the epidemic in Xi'an. The NASA-TLX scale was used to quantitatively evaluate the cognitive load of employees working from home, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process method was applied to map negative experience factors with cognitive load to obtain the weight value of each factor. Finally, a balanced model of telecommuting experience was constructed through a system map. The results show that mental demand was the key factor affecting employees' telecommuting experience. A good telecollaboration system could effectively manage work tasks and reduce the psychological load of employees. Frustration and temporal demand also significantly affected employees' telecommuting experience, mainly due to work–family conflict. Adopting flexible work hours and organizing online sharing activities could reshape employees' social relationships with their families and colleagues, effectively improving the telecommuting experience. The empirical study validated the effectiveness of the telecommuting experience balance model.

[Retrospective observation and analysis of autoimmune-related indicators in 317 patients with acute Omicron variant infection].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the changes of clinical characteristics and immune-related indicators of patients with mild and moderate acute Omicron variant infection, and to evaluate the protective effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics of 317 adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 Omicron variant (B1.1.529) infection admitted to Tianjin First Central Hospital (Shuixi District) from January 22, 2022 to February 24, 2022. Demographic characteristics, vaccination status, underlying diseases, epidemiological characteristics, baseline data, and relevant laboratory test results on admission were collected, and the differences in clinical characteristics, especially the changes in immune-related indicators, between mild and moderate patients were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 317 adult patients with acute Omicron variant infection, the proportion of elderly, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases were significantly higher in moderate group (203 cases) than those of mild group (114 cases) [age ≥ 60 years old: 27.58% (56/203) vs. 9.65% (11/114), hypertension: 31.03% (63/203) vs. 19.30% (22/114), diabetes: 15.76% (32/203) vs. 7.89% (9/114), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: 11.33% (23/203) vs 0.88% (1/114), all P < 0.05]. The route of transmission was mainly through gatherings and the first symptoms were fever, dry cough, fatigue, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose and other flu symptoms; 19.30% (22/114) and 24.63% (50/203) of patients in mild and moderate groups were positive for the new coronavirus nucleic acid test, respectively, but the difference was not significant difference (P > 0.05). Inflammatory indicators in most mild and moderate patients were within normal range, such as white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil ratio (NEU%), lymphocyte count (LYM), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), etc., suggesting that the acute phase of Omicron variant infection had not yet caused severe inflammatory storm, which might be related to the weakening of pathogenicity after vaccination and virus mutation. The proportion of patients with IL-6 > 7 ng/L in the mild group was significantly lower than that in the normal group [1.75% (2/114) vs. 6.40% (13/203), P < 0.05], suggesting that elevated IL-6 might be an important factor in evaluating indicators of disease severity. There was no significant difference in lymphocyte subsets between the two groups, but there were 12.90% (12/93) and 11.04% (17/154) of the patients in two groups, respectively, decreased in the proportion of helper T cells, and 18.28% (17/93) and 14.28% (22/154) of the patients had elevated CD4+/CD8+ ratio, suggesting that patients with Omicron variant infection had autoimmune system dysfunction, which might be related to disease progression and the occurrence of long-term autoimmune disease. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IL-6 level may be used as a predictor for evaluating the severity of disease in patients with Omicron variant infection; after vaccination, inflammatory indicators in patients with acute Omicron variant infection were significantly reduced, but the long-term effects still require long-term follow-up observation.

Interval-Valued Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Frank Aggregation Operators with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

We introduce the notion of the interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy set, which is a generalized fuzzy model for providing more accurate information, particularly in emergency decision-making, with the help of intervals of membership grades and non-membership grades, as well as reference parameters that provide freedom to the decision makers to analyze multiple objects and alternatives in the universe. The accuracy of interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy numbers is analyzed using Frank operations. We first extend the Frank t-conorm and t-norm (FTcTn) to interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy information and then offer new operations such as the Frank product, Frank sum, Frank exponentiation, and Frank scalar multiplication. Based on these operations, we develop novel interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy aggregation operators (AOs), including the “interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy Frank weighted averaging operator and the interval-valued linear Diophantine fuzzy Frank weighted geometric operator”. We also demonstrate various features of these AOs and examine the interactions between the proposed AOs. FTcTns offer two significant advantages. Firstly, they function in the same way as algebraic, Einstein, and Hamacher t-conorms and t-norms. Secondly, they have an additional parameter that results in a more dynamic and reliable aggregation process, making them more effective than other general t-conorm and t-norm approaches. Furthermore, we use these operators to design a method for dealing with multi-criteria decision-making with IVLDFNs. Finally, a numerical case study of the novel carnivorous issue is shown as an application for emergency decision-making based on the proposed AOs. The purpose of this numerical example is to demonstrate the practicality and viability of the provided AOs.

Periodic thermomechanical modulation of toll-like receptor expression and distribution in mesenchymal stromal cells.

ABSTRACT: Toll-like receptor (TLR) can trigger an immune response against virus including SARS-CoV-2. TLR expression/distribution is varying in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) depending on their culture environments. Here, to explore the effect of periodic thermomechanical cues on TLRs, thermally controlled shape-memory polymer sheets with programmable actuation capacity were created. The proportion of MSCs expressing SARS-CoV-2-associated TLRs was increased upon stimulation. The TLR4/7 colocalization was promoted and retained in the endoplasmic reticula. The TLR redistribution was driven by myosin-mediated F-actin assembly. These results highlight the potential of boosting the immunity for combating COVID-19 via thermomechanical preconditioning of MSCs. GRAPHIC ABSTRACT: Periodic thermal and synchronous mechanical stimuli provided by polymer sheet actuators selectively promoted the expression of SARS-CoV-2-associated TLRs 4 and 7 in adipose-derived MSCs and recruited TLR4 to Endoplasmic reticulum region where TLR7 was located via controlling myosin-mediated F-actin cytoskeleton assembly.

Service design touch point failure model and effect analysis based on the triangular fuzzy number evaluation method

How to improve employees' satisfaction in the remote office mode while working together has become a challenge for enterprises to deal with the new office management mode. The concept of service design touch point is introduced into the remote office management system to improve employees' office experience and help enterprises complete the remote office service design. From the perspective of virtuous circle, the cost of failure analysis and preventive measures for service design touch point in the process of service design is lower than that of dealing with failure after service failure. Therefore, this paper made a risk assessment on the failure mode of service design touch point loss analysis method based on the triangular fuzzy number evaluation method. In the failure risk assessment, the fuzzy failure mode and effect analysis theory and the failure mode of service design touch point are analyzed first, and the expert scoring method is used to evaluate and determine the fuzzy level of severity, occurrence and detection of each failure mode;Then, aiming at the ability difference of different experts in evaluating different objects, the expert importance matrix, which is based on attribute difference, is determined;On this basis, the risk priority value of each failure mode is analyzed and determined by fuzzy calculation method. The risk evaluation ranking results of touch point failure modes are obtained according to the risk priority value. Finally, taking the failure analysis of Y company's remote collaborative office service as an example, the feasibility of the method is verified by the case of protection during COVID-19.

'Trend in premature mortality from four major NCDs in Nanjing, China, 2007-2018'.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the trends of premature mortality caused from four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs), namely cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes in Nanjing between 2007 and 2018 and project the ability to achieve the "Healthy China 2030" reduction target. METHODS: Mortality data of four major NCDs for the period 2007-2018 were extracted from the Death Information Registration and Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Population data for Nanjing were provided by the Nanjing Bureau of Public Security. The premature mortality was calculated using the life table method. Joinpoint regression model was used to estimate the average annual percent changes (AAPC) in mortality trends. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2018, the premature mortality from four major NCDs combined in Nanjing decreased from 15.5 to 9.5%, with the AAPC value at - 4.3% (95% CI [- 5.2% to - 3.4%]). Overall, it can potentially achieve the target, with a relative reduction 28.6%. The premature mortality from cancer, CVD, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes all decreased, with AAPC values at - 4.2, - 5.0%, - 5.9% and - 1.6% respectively. A relative reduction of 40.6 and 41.2% in females and in rural areas, but only 21.0 and 12.8% in males and in urban areas were projected. CONCLUSION: An integrated approach should be taken focusing on the modifiable risk factors across different sectors and disciplines in Nanjing. The prevention and treatment of cancers, diabetes, male and rural areas NCDs should be enhanced.

Reinfection rates among patients previously infected by SARS-CoV-2: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic or symptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be followed by reinfection. The protection conferred by prior infection among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is unclear. We assessed the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and the protection effect of previous infection against reinfection. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for publications up until the end date of May 1, 2021. The reinfection rate of recovered patients and the protection against reinfection were analyzed using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 19 studies of 1096 reinfection patients were included. The pooled reinfection rate was 0.65% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.98%). The symptomatic reinfection rate was a bit lower (0.37% [95% CI 0.11-0.78%], I2 = 99%). The reinfection rate was much higher in high-risk populations (1.59% [95% CI 0.30-3.88%], I2 = 90%). The protection against reinfection and symptomatic reinfection was similar (87.02% [95% CI 83.22-89.96%] and 87.17% [95% CI 83.09-90.26%], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is relatively low. The protection against SARS-CoV-2 after natural infection is comparable to that estimated for vaccine efficacy. These data may help guide public health measures and vaccination strategies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. High-quality clinical studies are needed to establish the relevant risk factors in recovered patients.

Left-behind children's social adjustment and relationship with parental coping with children's negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Using data collected from two provinces in China through an online survey, the current study aimed to investigate left-behind children's emotional and academic adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The participants included 1780 left-behind (960 boys) and 1500 non-left-behind (811 boys) children in elementary and junior high school with a mean age of 11.23. Self-reported questionnaires concerning children's depression, loneliness, anxiety, and academic adjustment, and parents' coping with children's negative emotions were completed. The results suggested that compared with non-left-behind children, left-behind children's depression and anxiety symptoms were more severe and their academic adjustment was poorer. However, left-behind children had lower levels of loneliness than non-left-behind children. Additionally, supportive coping types, especially emotion-focused and problem-focused reactions, were significantly negatively correlated with children's depression and anxiety. Unsupportive coping types, especially distress and punitive reactions, were significantly positively correlated with children's depression and anxiety symptoms. Moreover, the relationships between punitive reactions and depression, ignoring and loneliness and problem-focused reactions and academic adjustment were significantly stronger in left-behind children. Hence, during the pandemic, left-behind children were still at a disadvantage even with their parents' company. However, parents' coping style towards left-behind children's negative emotions played a significant role in their adjustment.

Food Systems Disruptions: Turning a Threat into an Opportunity for Local Food Systems

Our food system has been disrupted. Shopping at a grocery store during the COVID-19 pandemic is not a pleasant experience, and, for some of the most vulnerable, it can be outright dangerous. It may become worse. How long will supply chain disruptions continue and what are upcoming challenges? From illness in the fields where agricultural workers pick our food and the closing of food processing facilities to the threat that trucking lanes may be shut down, the possibilities seem real right now. . . .

Establishing a high sensitivity detection method for SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG and developing a clinical application of this method.

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection and was initially discovered in Wuhan. This outbreak quickly spread all over China and then to more than 20 other countries. SARS-CoV-2 fluorescent microsphere immunochromatographic test strips were prepared by the combination of time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay with a lateral flow assay. The analytical performance and clinical evaluation of this testing method was done and the clinical significance of the testing method was verified. The LLOD of SARS-CoV-2 antibody IgG and IgM was 0.121U/L and 0.366U/L. The specificity of IgM and IgG strips in healthy people and in patients with non-COVID-19 disease was 94%, 96.72% and 95.50%, 99.49%, respectively; and sensitivity of IgM and IgG strips for patients during treatment and follow-up was 63.02%, 37.61% and 87.28%, 90.17%, respectively. The SARS-CoV-2 antibody test strip can provide rapid, flexible and accurate testing, and is able to meet the clinical requirement for rapid on-site testing of virus. The ability to detect IgM and IgG provided a significant benefit for the detection and prediction of clinical course with COVID-19 patients.

Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Disease Progression in Severe Patients with COVID-19 Infection in Jiangsu Province, China: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: We studied patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a virus that originated in Wuhan, China, and is spreading over the country including Jiangsu Province. We studied the clinical characteristics and therapies of severe cases in Jiangsu Province. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze clinical, laboratory data and treatment of 60 severe cases with COVID-19 infection in Jiangsu Province between January 24, 2020 and April 20, 2020. The improvement and deterioration subgroups were compared to identify predictors of disease progression. RESULTS: A total of 653 infected cases with COVID-19 were reported in Jiangsu Province, of which 60 severe cases were included in this study. Up until April 20, 2020, the mortality of severe patients was 0%. The median age was 57 years. The average body mass index of these patients was 25 kg/m². White blood cell counts decreased in 45.0% of patients, lymphopenia in 63.3%, thrombocytopenia in 13.3% and procalcitonin levels in 88.3% of the patients were less than 0.5 ng/mL. There were no statistically significant differences in immunoglobulin therapy and GCs therapy between the improvement and deterioration subgroups. Logistic regression analysis identified higher levels of troponin T (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.08; P = 0.04), antiviral therapy with aerosol inhalation of interferon (OR: 6.33; 95% CI: 1.18-33.98; P = 0.03), and the application of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.99; 95%CI: 1.17-3.41; P = 0.01) as predictors of disease progression, whereas higher lymphocyte count (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02-0.57; P = 0.01) and early prone ventilation were associated with improvement (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01-0.98; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 infection had a low mortality rate in Jiangsu Province, China. The higher levels of troponin T and lower lymphocyte count were predictors of disease progression. Early prone ventilation may be an effective treatment for severe cases.